EARTH-WORMS. 109 



itself, which, from the motion given to the line by the 

 angler, (who, as I shall shortly demonstrate, ought to 

 pitch his hook up against the stream), it is apt to 

 exceed. One, two, three, or even four leads of the 

 sizes recommended may be required to effect this. 

 These may be placed either together, at a fixed distance 

 from the hook of not less than fifteen inches, or sepa- 

 rately, at considerable intervals along the casting line. 

 I prefer greatly, however, the former mode of leading, 

 although several able anglers of my acquaintance adopt 

 the latter, under the idea that it assists or improves the 

 travelling of the worm. Leads formed of shot are fre- 

 quently drilled through, instead of being slit. The 

 process is more tedious, and renders them, when required 

 to be shifted or displaced, less handy, although there is 

 no question but that they give greater satisfaction to the 

 eye, and if intended to be permanent are perhaps 

 preferable. I may here repeat, that, in the making up 

 of tackle for worm-fishing, loops are strongly to be con- 

 demned, and at no time should they be permitted to 

 head the strand or gut on which the hook is dressed. 

 The very nearest ought to be kept at double arm's 

 length from the bait. 



I am now brought to treat of the kind of worm best 

 adapted for trout fishing, and the preparing of it for use. 

 It is not my province, however, while on this subject, 

 to discuss the natural history of the worm under the 

 five classes into which it has been divided by Linnaeus. 

 I shall confine my observations solely to the different 

 kinds of earth-worms (intestina}, frequenting our soils 

 and employed by the angler. Of these there are at the 

 fewest six or seven species with their varieties. 



1st. THE LARGE SAND-LOB or LUGG-WORM, em- 

 ployed by the fishermen on our coasts in the capture of 



